A healthy life needs balance advises medical doctor

“Success cannot be achieved without health and life balance” said guest speaker at the Ilembe Chamber Margaret Hirsch Women in Business achiever of the month networking morning, Dr Mammekwa Khuluse.

Dr Mammekwa is a medical doctor who specialises in preventative measures, helping women find their way in fullness to better health.

She said when she was pondering how to give added value to her patients she realised the answer was not to focus on the symptoms and signs because diseases occurs within a context of the patient’s lifestyle.

“I work at the intersection between medicine and health and wellness – a place where lifestyle-based preventative strategies can be the difference between health and illness, stress and wellness, or even life and death.

“I don’t send patients away with a shopping list for pharmacies because that does not cut it any more. I need to know what the stresses are that caused the system to break down.

“Women have goals and dreams and high expectation of themselves and this plus the added stress from the workplace and the family can cause ill health such as diabetes and strokes.

“In fact women reaching high powered positions are suffering the sames stress-related diseases men do.”
Dr Mammekwa said a balanced lifestyle included regular exercise whether it be the gym or joining walking and running clubs and a low calorie, balanced, nutritious diet, vital for good health.

“Exercise such as pilates and yoga are particularly good for teaching deep breathing and relaxation techniques that decrease the heart rate.

“The benefits of regular exercise include improved mood and more energy to deal with stresses.”

She said it is her greatest joy to partner with women on their journey to health and wellness.

The next item on the agenda was the announcement of the Ilembe Chamber Margaret Hirsch Women in Business October winner: Chantal Kemp who has started BAC

Business Administration consulting in Ballito.

The morning culminated in some serious networking over coffee and a summer tropical breakfast at the tranquil Ezulwini guest house in Ballito.